Of Legacy
It all started a few months back, when I suddenly received the news of a classmate from college passing away. In mid-30’s, and someone I had not been in touch with for a very long time.
Not only for me, but for several of us friends who heard the news, it was a cold reminder- about how unpredictable life can be. This also started the whole process in my mind about changing our outlook towards life and all the things we take for granted.
Talking about life, my whole focus at the moment is on bringing up my two small boys. My heart and soul’s purpose right now it to nourish them and keep them safe, every passing day- yes, my children have life threatening food-allergies. So while at other children their age are all carefree and enjoy the little things (and food!), we spend our days cherishing our lives in slightly different ways.
After receiving this uneventful news, the whole circle of thoughts kept on swirling in my mind, for days and nights, for weeks. It led me to question my inner self-
“At a time when the world around us is so unpredictable, and the length of life is so uncertain- what LEGACY are we leaving behind for our children. What would they best remember us for. What and how can we do the right thing. What is this legacy?”
It is interesting, that most of our inner questions already have answers intertwined deep inside, somewhere. To further push myself, I closed my eyes and thought of my grandparents- one alive, one not. What is their legacy, what have they left me behind? And there was my answer, in the form of several tears streaming down my face.
Interestingly, and very much like all other parents, a few years back when we first bought our own home, we felt that this was it. That this would be our tiny space under the sun, our cocoon. And that this home would be our gift to our child. Fast forward more years, I remember buying so many things, valuables and others, thinking of my children, hoping to pass them down when it is time.
And suddenly, after so many years of planning and thinking, none of this made any sense to me. When I am long gone, how do I want my children to think of me, of all the love, of goodwill, of our character strength that stands us apart from everyone else. Have you all ever wondered, why in a very, very crowded place, sometimes all it takes is one glance to find that familiar face we have been wanting to see. And in that moment, it is all that matters.
Our lives are ever-transitioning, we change every moment. Just the things I told myself ten years back that I would never do, I am doing them today. Ironical, isn’t it. So through all this maze of thoughts and memories and life- I am still thinking- What will be the legacy that we will leave behind for our children?
